Rep. Boucher (D-VA 9th) casts deciding U.S. House vote to adjourn

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All eyes in Virginia and the nation have been on the 9th Congressional District race in southwest Virginia's coal country that had been represented for 28 years by long-time incumbent Rick Boucher. For the past three months, however, Republican Delegate Morgan Griffith has been chipping away at Boucher's lead.

Wednesday's news from Capital Hill may turn more constituents in the 9th District against their 14-term representative. The close vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on whether to adjourn Congress, that saw many Democrats voting with the Republicans to stay in session, came down to a single vote that was cast by Rick Boucher.

In a 210-209 squeaker, the deciding vote by Boucher kept his 96.4% voting record, with Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats, intact. Perhaps he was feeling safe in his district. He may not be as safe as he thinks.

A new poll earlier this week revealed Morgan Griffith within three points of Boucher. Results showed 42.6% of voters would vote for Boucher, 39.7% would vote for Griffith, and 17.6% are undecided.

The poll came after news two weeks ago that Boucher used his campaign money to buy a $29,000 car, this latest information may erode even more votes in his blue collar district. The Griffith campaign and Republican Party of Virginia have not let the vote slide, quickly getting the word out that Boucher felt more loyalty to the Democrats in Washington than to his constituents who stand to see their tax rates increase significantly.

Thirty-nine House Democrats voted against adjournment after Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) urged opposition to the motion in a floor speech that said it would be irresponsible for Congress to leave without providing certainty on the tax issue. Dozens of Democrats in tough races voted against adjourning.

"Vote no on this adjournment resolution. Give Congress a chance to vote on extending tax rates," Boehner said.

With five weeks until election day, and possible voter backlash over Wednesday's vote, will Griffith pull out this dark horse race?